New Xbox to make debut on MTV

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Microsoft Corporation will offer video game fans a first peek at
the new version of its Xbox game console during a half-hour MTV
broadcast, part of a marketing deal.

The software maker will preview the new game system in worldwide
broadcasts on May 12 and May 13, on various MTV channels.

During the broadcast, Microsoft also plans to show off new
enhancements planned for its Xbox Live online video game
service.

The half-hour program comes days ahead of a major games
conference, E3, during which Microsoft said it would provide
industry insiders more details of the game system.

But Peter Moore, a corporate vice president in charge of Xbox
marketing, said Microsoft felt it was important that fans got to
see the system "at least at the same time - if not before
- folks who work in the trades see it."

Moore refused to provide financial details of the agreement with
MTV.

But he said MTV and Microsoft had been working on the marketing
deal for about a year. For the program to appeal to its young
audience, he added, it "can't feel like an infomercial or simply an
ad buy."

The deal will extend far beyond just the half-hour program. In
addition to MTV promoting Xbox, he said Xbox could promote MTV
in game play and elsewhere.

Microsoft has not yet said when it plans to release the new
Xbox.

In Australia, the new XBox will be featured on May 13 at
7pm EST. The show will be repeated on May 14 (6pm); May 15 (10am)
and May 17 (8pm).